Marquette University announced this week that Jordan Grant will join its men’s soccer program as associate head coach, taking over from Calum Mallace. The move signals a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing a program that has struggled to find consistency in recent Big East play.
Grant arrives with a résumé that blends playing success and coaching progression. A former standout at Northern Kentucky, he was part of the 2010 NCAA Division II championship squad, and his coaching journey began as a volunteer at the University of Cincinnati before stints at Belmont and a three‑year run at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
A Track Record of Triumph and Transition
At SIUE, Grant guided the Cougars to a historic 16‑1‑3 season in 2023, capturing both the regular‑season and tournament titles, and later added a 2024 championship double. Yet his most recent campaign showed a dip, with the team finishing 6‑11‑2, prompting analysts to wonder whether the momentum can be reignited at the Big East level.
Marquette itself is looking to bounce back after a challenging 2025 Big East schedule that yielded a 1‑7‑0 record following a 6‑0‑2 start. The new coaching duo will open the 2026 season on August 20 at Valley Fields against Oakland, a match that will serve as an early gauge of the program’s direction.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Grant is being praised for his character, work ethic and dedication, qualities that Athletic Director Chris Allen says will help shape a resilient culture within the squad.